The Nail Gun Network proudly presents the following guest post, originally published on "Zero Sick Days" by RolAir:

"The key to optimal air compressor efficiency is to maintain the integrity of your entire pneumatic system. This includes the air compressor, fittings, air hose, and tools. An efficient pneumatic system will ensure that you’re getting the air you need, when you need it. An inefficient one will cost you time and money. Follow the steps below to make sure your pneumatic system keeps operating the way it was intended to.

Use 3/8″ air hose whenever possible. All hoses cause some degree of frictional loss. While 1/4″ air hose is lighter and generally easier to work with, the smaller diameter restricts air flow more than a 3/8″ diameter hose would. If the CFM requirements of the tool(s) being operated is close to the air compressor’s limits, every bit of pressure counts. To ensure you’re getting the maximum amount of pressure to the tool, opt for a larger diameter hose. To get an idea of how air hose diameter affects working pressure, check out this handy Air Flow Calculator.

Use shorter lengths of air hose. The idea here is similar to #1. The farther the air has to travel, the more pressure you lose. We completely understand that situations will arise when you are forced to use long runs of small diameter hose. When that happens, refer to the next step.

Use an auxiliary tank. Adding an auxiliary tank in between two lengths of hose allows the user(s) to maximize distance from the compressor while minimizing frictional loss. For example, if you were to use two 3/8″ x 100′ air hoses, you’d be able to work 200′ from the compressor, but only lose pressure over the length of one 100′ section. The icing on the cake is the fact that the Air Keg can go where the compressor can’t, like on a pitched roof.

Lubricate your pneumatic tools regularly. Just be careful what you put in them. The wrong type of lubricant can cause more harm than good by damaging o-rings and other internal components. The correct type of oil will be labeled as a tool lubricant and will contain special additives to promote long life for pneumatic tools. Of course, the obvious question is “How often?” That depends on the type of tool and how hard it’s being used, but for tools that get used daily, applying 4-5 drops at the start of each shift is a good rule of thumb.

Check the system for leaks. This includes the entire air compressor, all fittings, air hoses and tools. Simply allow the compressor to build to top pressure with the air hose and all other tools and components hooked up. Once the compressor has stopped pumping, watch the tank pressure gauge and listen closely. If the needle stays put, you’ve got a leak-free system. If the needle starts to drop continuously (a slight drop is normal as the air cools) or you hear a hiss of air, you’ve got a leak. Excessive leaks in the system can cause your compressor to run more often than necessary, which leads to premature wear. If you have a difficult time locating the leak, we recommend spraying a soap and water solution on the hose and all fittings. A leak will cause the solution to bubble.

Like anything else in the trades, a little bit of planning and preparation up front will pay dividends in the end. If you plan out your pneumatic system prior to each job and add steps 4 and 5 to your preventative maintenance plan, you’ll avoid a few headaches and maximize the lifespan of your equipment. If you feel like your pneumatic system is not performing like it should, give us a call and one of our service reps will help you troubleshoot the issue."

Give these tips a shot and let us know if you see improved performance!

Rounding out our series on Made In America, let's take a look at a brand that has more than 50 years of experience in the air compressor business - still assembled in the USA today. That's right, we're talking about RolAir compressors, the green, American made machine. Take a look at the history of RolAir, and watch the attached video of RolAir's manufacturing process, on the Nail Gun Network.

The following is a brief history, taken directly from RolAir's corporate website:

"The year was 1959. Our goal was simple: Produce the finest compressors known to mankind. Decades later, the goal remains the same. As a third-generation manufacturer located in the heart of Wisconsin, we've built quite a reputation for providing professional contractors with compressors of the utmost quality and craftsmanship. They appreciate our attention to detail, rugged performance and wide variety of options. But above all, they appreciate that our sole focus is compressors - nothing else.

If you're looking to partner with a company built on decades of industry knowledge, experience and unparalleled customer service, welcome to RolAir."

RolAir offers a variety of air compressors for pneumatic tools, such as nail guns, staple guns and other air-powered tools. Choose between hand carry and wheeled air compressors, with gas or electric motors available. Shop wise and make sure you don't "blow" your next air compressor purchase.

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer this year? Maybe it's time to treat yourself to a new tool? Regardless of who you are shopping for, we've got some nifty new items that are certain to be a hit this holiday season - on Nail Gun Depot.

A handy new tool from Bostitch, the BTFP71875 pneumatic hammer stapler is capable of being used as a heavy-duty 3/8" crown stapler or 18 gauge brad nailer. Priced competitively for the holiday season, this handy little tool makes the perfect stocking stuffer. Compact, durable and easy to operate, this is the accessory tool every woodworker needs in their arsenal. If you are looking for something a little larger, the BTFP71875 is currently available as part of a combo kit, with 16 gauge finish nailer, 18 gauge brad nailer, and 6 gallon air compressor included. The Bostitch BTFP72646 3-Tool and Compressor Kit makes a great holiday gift for yourself - or someone else.

Speaking of compressors, Nail Gun Depot now carries J-Air gas and electric portable air compressors. Built to power several pneumatic tools at once, these industrial-grade compressors are commonly found on heavy-duty construction sites and in high-volume production facilities. With an available gas-powered Honda motor, J-Air is known for building safe and reliable products. If you are looking for a big ticket holiday gift, these compressors are worth a look.

New from Senco - and just in time for the holiday season - the RoofPro 445XP coil roofing nailer, features a thumbwell adjustable depth of drive, aluminum body for durability, bi-metal driver blade for reduced wear, two-piece firing valve design - reduces air consumption without compromise on power or speed, power in/power out pneumatic feed system design - improves speed and delivers consistent drives, adjustable/removable shingle guide, adjustable nail canister, comfort grip, and steel wear plates to reduce shingle wear. This Senco roofing nailer also features an easily serviceable design - with access to all wear parts from the top of tool.The Senco RoofPro 445XP is perfect for asphalt and fiberglass shingle nailing, for both new roofs and re-roofing. This tool is also ideal for attaching waterproof tar paper, metal drip edges, insulation board, and, with a special optional attachment, vinyl and aluminum siding. Oh, and did we mention it comes with a five-year warranty?

And don't forget, Nail Gun Depot is running some of our best discounts of the year for Black Friday (November 28th) and Cyber Monday (December 1st). Be sure to visit the site and take advantage of these great deals as we wrap-up 2014 with these and other holiday deals.

You were probably surprised to see there wasn't a new NGD blog post yesterday. Well, we're making up for it today, now that we're back from STAFDA.

To summarize the entire 2014 STAFDA show, we would have to write a book. With several hundred exhibitors - and many more attendees - STAFDA is a mecca for the tool and fastener industry. Every year, the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) puts on the event, hosting the convention in various cities across the U.S.

This year, STAFDA visited Charlotte, NC. Home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and other attractions, here's a brief overview of NGD's trip to North Carolina.

From Senco, STAFDA served as the launching point for two new tools, the RoofPro 445XP and the SCN63LDXP structural foam insulation nailer. MAX displayed their completely refreshed CN565S2 coil siding nailer - and Jaaco featured their ballistic pin tool (designed for fastening foam board to wood, steel and concrete - with available nosepiece attachments for washers).

We also got the chance to view and demo some new and exciting product lines - including products that are still in the concept phase. For 2015, look for new tools from Grex, Fasco, BeA, Everwin, Omer and many of your other favorite brands. Look for expanded product offerings on NGD as well - with new attachments, compressors and accessories coming to the site. For those interested in automated fastening solutions, we have something special in the works as well.